Elaine Wynn, Co-Founder of Iconic Wynn Resorts, Dead at 82

Elaine Wynn, co-founder of the famous gambling brand Wynn Resorts, passed away at 82 years old, a family publicist announced on Tuesday.

“Elaine Wynn was more than a businesswoman or philanthropist; she was a force of nature—a curator of dreams in a city built on aspirations,” her foundation said in a statement.

The cause of death was not revealed for “Ms. Las Vegas.” 

Elaine’s endeavors

Elaine Wynn was the ex-wife of Steve Wynn, the fellow co-founder of the Wynn enterprise. She was known as a philanthropist and remained an influential voice in Wynn Resorts’ operations until 2015.

During their years together, the couple created several of the most opulent and popular hotel-resort attractions in Sin City. Wynn also has popular properties across the globe, including Wynn Palace, Encore Boston Harbor, and Wynn Macau, among others.

“[Elaine] played an instrumental role in shaping the modern-day Las Vegas, from the Golden Nugget where she infused glitter gulch with a little luxury, to The Mirage, establishing the paradigm for everything that followed, including Bellagio, Wynn and Encore resorts,” a statement issued by the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation read.

The foundation also noted that the last five Nevada governors, four Republicans and one Democrat, all retained her services for educational matters.

She also served as the co-chair of the board of trustees and made significant contributions, including a $50 million gift in 2016, to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

“She understood that Las Vegas was not just a destination; it was an experience—an ever-evolving tapestry woven with threads of art, culture, and the human spirit,” the statement read.

Fallout with Steve Wynn

Elaine and Steve Wynn married in 1963 when Elaine was 21. They divorced in 1986, remarried in 1991, then divorced again in 2010.

Elaine held onto millions of shares of the company after their final divorce and was the largest individual shareholder at the time of her death.

The couple’s relationship did not end amicably. Their 2010 divorce resulted in a $1 billion settlement and a promise by Steve to keep his ex-wife on the company board.

Steve also insisted that his ex was responsible for a smear campaign that included allegations of sexual assault, which he denied. Elaine also testified in a 2018 court hearing that she heard a rape allegation made against Steve in 2009.

The surviving member of the marriage claimed the negative comments almost cost Encore Boston Harbor its gaming license. He also pushed her out of the Wynn board room in 2015, which led to additional legal involvement. 

Elaine Wynn is survived by two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Billionaire Tilman Fertitta is now the largest individual shareholder in Wynn Resorts.